Rory McIlroy has a big problem he needs to fix

Rory McIlroy, known for his stellar performances on the golf course, is facing a tough start to the 2024 PGA Tour season, particularly when compared to his own high standards. The Northern Irishman’s season debut saw him finishing 66th in the 80-man AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and his subsequent performances haven’t been much better, with his best finish being tied for 21st place in three starts since.

What’s even more surprising is McIlroy’s recent victories on the DP World Tour in January and a near-win the week before. However, his performance on the PGA Tour tells a different story. Despite being hailed as the best driver of the golf ball globally, leading in strokes gained off the tee, total driving, and ranking second in driving distance on the PGA Tour this season, McIlroy’s iron play has been lacking, nullifying his driving prowess.

McIlroy has struggled with his approach shots, losing strokes on approach in three out of four starts this season. His performance at Pebble Beach, where he ranked 75th in strokes gained on approach, resulted in his worst finish since missing the cut at the Masters last year. A closer look at his approach stats for the season reveals his challenges: he ranks 152nd in strokes gained on approach, 124th in greens in regulation percentage, and 157th in approaches from 125-150 yards, among others.

Approach play is crucial for success on the PGA Tour, as evidenced by consistent top 10 finishes by players like Scottie Scheffler and the dominance of Tiger Woods in his prime. McIlroy, traditionally a superb iron player, is currently far from contention due to his struggles in this area. After a disappointing T21 finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, McIlroy expressed his frustration with his declining approach game, citing a consistent left miss with his irons.

Looking ahead to the Masters, just a month away, McIlroy is aware of the urgency to turn around his iron play quickly if he hopes to contend. Despite feeling confident with his driving and putting, McIlroy acknowledges the need to tighten up his irons to position himself well for upcoming tournaments.

In conclusion, while Rory McIlroy remains one of the most talented players in golf, his current struggles with his iron play pose a significant challenge to his success on the PGA Tour. With the Masters looming, McIlroy faces a race against time to regain his form and compete at the highest level once again.